Their duties include relocating and reorganizing improperly parked PMDs. (Image provided by the city of Ansan)
ANSAN, Feb. 9 (Korea Bizwire) –In the city of Ansan, senior citizens are taking charge as safety managers for personal mobility devices (PMDs) that have been neglected in urban areas.
On February 8, the city of Ansan announced that starting from February 13, a team of seniors called the ‘Senior Electric Scooter Safety Guides’ will be deployed to address the safety threats posed to pedestrians by the disorderly use and management of PMDs.
The initiative aims to achieve a dual benefit: reducing pedestrian safety hazards and providing employment opportunities for the elderly.
The Safety Guides will conduct safety awareness activities in areas prone to safety complaints and high PMD usage, including places where electric scooters and other PMDs are frequently abandoned, causing inconvenience to pedestrians.
Their duties include relocating and reorganizing improperly parked PMDs.
Twenty seniors over the age of 65 have been selected to prepare for their roles as Safety Guides. They will work three hours per day (60 hours per month), focusing on areas around five major subway stations in the city, such as Gojan and Jungang stations.
Prior to their deployment, the city conducted pre-job training for the Safety Guides. Considering their unfamiliarity with electric scooters, the training included practical exercises on relocating and reorganizing scooters, as well as instructions on work procedures and safety protocols.
Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun commented on the program, stating, “With the increase in personal mobility device users, there are growing concerns about urban aesthetics and citizen safety due to indiscriminately abandoned devices. Through the Senior Electric Scooter Safety Guide project, we aim to provide job opportunities for our seniors and ensure safety for our citizens.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
